Paterson Youth Council

The Paterson Youth Council, organized by New Jersey Community Development Corporation, is the premier voice for the young people of Paterson, representing and engaging the youth of Paterson to create opportunities to better themselves and their community. Made up of 25-35 dynamic young residents of Paterson between the ages of 13 and 19, the youth council serves as a venue to discuss issues that concern and affect them most.

Through service learning and community involvement, participates cultivate confidence, independence, maturity, leadership skills and a voice of their own. Members of the Paterson Youth Council are not only active members of their school community, but regularly attend City Council and Board of Education meetings. Ultimately, these members discuss, produce and present proposals for legislation to the aforementioned venues, offering respected and organized insight into the concerns of Paterson’s future leaders.

Members of the Paterson Youth Council receive Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Awards.